Nolan Ryan optimistic about Craig Biggio’s Hall of Fame chances this year

Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan, the biggest baseball name in Texas history, is optimistic about Craig Biggio’s chances of being part of the 2014 Baseball Hall of Fame class.

“I just really think that he’s going to get in,” Ryan said of Biggio, a lifetime Astro. “I think this is going to be a large class. With the new guys that are coming on the ballot, I think it’s a very interesting time as far as the Hall is concerned.

“I think it may be one of the all-time active years with what the veterans committee did this year and this group of guys. It will be interesting to see.”

Ryan has been back to Cooperstown multiple times since he was inducted in 1999, but he has never been back to an induction ceremony. He hopes to be in attendance for the induction this summer to help honor longtime Rangers broadcaster Eric Nadel, who will receive the prestigious Ford. C. Frick Award on July 26.

The 2014 Hall of Fame class will be announced on Wednesday.

“My plan is to be there this year,” said Ryan, who pitched for the Mets, Angels, Astros and Rangers. “Eric Nadel will be there on Saturday. I will be supportive of him and if Biggio gets in I want to be supportive of him. Hopefully we’ll all be glad on Wednesday.”